None of us were prepared for the Splendour of the Fair Isles. It certainly lived up to its name. Truly idyllic. The coastline and entrance to the sheltered bay were like something from The Lord of The Rings.  We got squared away and after eating some delicious soup ala Sverre I ran the length of the Island to take a look at the beautiful lighthouse. Well worth the run. Afterwards I enjoyed my first shower aboard Rose-Marie and joined the fellas for a quick beer before retiring. We were sorry to leave this beautiful, magical place but the sea beckons us on…

We arrived, battered bruised but relieved in the evening of 27th August. We recharged our batteries in the local pub and retired happy and in good spirits in the early hours. After exploring the Shetland Isles on a fun and informative bus ride. That evening we celebrated with an anchor dram and a victory cigar courtesy of the Skipper. We dined out in style and celebrated Steven’s birthday complete with birthday ‘cake’ and song. Sverre hit the Hammer hard. The hammer being a kilo of prime Scottish beef and we ended the night in the local bar throwing darts and sampling the local brew. Our last day in Shetland was spent shopping and preparing Rose-Marie for our onward voyage. We dined on lamb shanks ala Sverre and rose early to continue on to The Fair Isle.

We left Bergan at 5am chasing the rising sun into the unknown. Mild seas and easy winds carried us forth. This wasn’t to last however as the swells and gusts increased to 5-8 metres and 29kts as we made our crossing. None of us were prepared for the might and fury of the North Sea but Rose-Marie held firm and the ample, delicious provisions prepared by Sverre helped keep morale high. We sailed through the night as the waves crashed all around us but Rose-Marie carried us through to safety and the welcoming arms of The Shetland Isles.